Chemical Structure / Formula of Econazole Formula: C₁₈H₁₅Cl₃N₂O Structure: Imidazole antifungal with a chlorinated benzodioxane moiety. Mechanism of Action Inhibits ergosterol synthesis, disrupting fungal membrane integrity. Uses of Econazole Topical antifungal (dermatophytosis, candidiasis, tinea infections). Side Effects Skin irritation, redness, pruritus.
Chemical Structure / Formula of Clotrimazole Formula: C₂₂H₁₇ClN₂ Structure: A imidazole antifungal with a chlorinated benzyl group. Mechanism of Action Inhibits lanosterol 14α-demethylase, preventing ergosterol synthesis. Uses of Clotrimazole Topical antifungal (vaginal candidiasis, tinea infections). Side Effects Skin irritation, itching, burning sensation.
Chemical Structure / Formula of Griseofulvin Formula: C₁₇H₁₇ClO₆ Structure: A benzofuran derivative with a chlorinated ring system. Mechanism of Action Binds to fungal microtubules, inhibiting mitosis. Deposited in keratin-rich tissues (nails, skin, hair), preventing fungal growth. Uses of Griseofulvin Dermatophytic infections (tinea, ringworm, athlete’s foot, onychomycosis). Side Effects Hepatotoxicity, GI upset, photosensitivity. Induces CYP450 (drug … Read more
Chemical Structure / Formula of Natamycin Formula: C₃₃H₄₇NO₁₃ Structure: A polyene macrolide with tetrahydrofuran rings. Mechanism of Action Binds to ergosterol, altering fungal membrane permeability. Uses of Natamycin Ophthalmic antifungal (fungal keratitis, conjunctivitis). Side Effects Mild eye irritation, burning sensation.
Chemical Structure / Formula of Nystatin Formula: C₄₇H₇₅NO₁₇ Structure: A polyene antifungal similar to Amphotericin B. Mechanism of Action Binds to ergosterol, disrupting fungal membrane integrity and causing leakage of ions. Uses of Nystatin Topical and oral candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash, vaginal yeast infections). Side Effects Minimal with topical use. GI upset with oral use … Read more
Chemical Structure / Formula of Amphotericin B Formula: C₄₇H₇₃NO₁₇ Structure: A polyene macrolide with a hydrophilic and hydrophobic region. Mechanism of Action Binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, creating pores that lead to leakage of ions (K+, Mg2+), causing fungal cell death. Uses of Amphotericin B Systemic fungal infections: Aspergillosis, Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, Mucormycosis. Candida … Read more
Antifungal agents treat fungal infections by targeting the cell wall, cell membrane, or intracellular components to inhibit fungal growth. Mechanisms of Action Cell Wall-Targeting Agents Inhibit beta-glucan synthesis, weakening the fungal cell wall. Examples: Echinocandins (caspofungin, anidulafungin). Cell Membrane-Targeting Agents Disrupt ergosterol synthesis, compromising membrane integrity. Examples: Azoles: Fluconazole, Itraconazole. Polyenes: Amphotericin B. Intracellular Component-Targeting … Read more
Chemical Structure / Formula of Ritonavir Formula: C₃₇H₄₈N₆O₅S₂ Structure: Peptidomimetic protease inhibitor with a thiazole ring. Mechanism of Action Inhibits HIV protease, preventing viral replication. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (boosts levels of other protease inhibitors). Uses of Ritonavir HIV/AIDS therapy (mainly used as a booster for other PIs like Lopinavir). Side Effects GI upset, hepatotoxicity. Hyperlipidemia, … Read more
Chemical Structure / Formula of Indinavir Formula: C₃₆H₄₇N₅O₄ Structure: Peptidomimetic protease inhibitor. Mechanism of Action Inhibits HIV protease, preventing viral maturation. Uses of Indinavir HIV/AIDS therapy (HAART regimen, rarely used now). Side Effects Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones, must drink plenty of water). Lipodystrophy, hyperglycemia.
Chemical Structure / Formula of Saquinavir Formula: C₃₈H₅₀N₆O₅ Structure: Peptidomimetic protease inhibitor. Mechanism of Action Inhibits HIV protease, preventing viral protein maturation. Uses of Saquinavir HIV/AIDS therapy (first-generation protease inhibitor, now rarely used). Side Effects GI upset, lipodystrophy, hyperlipidemia. CYP3A4 interactions (drug interactions common).
